Dynamo Draft Ivan Magalhaes in 2016 SuperDraft

The Houston Dynamo used the 6^th pick of the 2^nd Round of the 2016 SuperDraft (the 26^th overall and the Dynamo's 1^st draft pick) to select Ivan Magalhaes, a defender out of the University of Maryland. Magalhaes is a strong, left footer with some pace and is capable on set pieces. The 6'1 defender from Maryland had 1 goal and 1 assist in his 2015 campaign and supported the defense getting 8 shutouts in 16 matches.

The 2016 SuperDraft was a wild one with trades, picks, and TAM money flying around everywhere. The Dynamo originally held the 6^th pick of the 1^st Round, but traded it in their acquisition of Cristian Maidana and a former #1 SuperDraft pick in Andrew Wenger from the Philadelphia Union. The Chicago Fire, who held the #1 overall pick this year, traded away their selected player, Jack Harrison, to New York City FC.

Magalhaes, a native of Sao Paulo Brazil, desired an opportunity to play soccer and challenges himself academically, which is why he chose the University of Maryland. Magalhaes should spend time with the Dynamo USL affiliate Rio Grande Valley FC due to him taking up an international roster slot.

Overall, the Dynamo needed depth in the back half of the field and were able to pick up a top available talent. How Magalhaes fits into the Dynamo's future is up to how he performs. The Dynamo's next draft pick is the 6^th pick of the 3^rd round (47^th overall) which will take place on January 19^th.